Bewitched Brew: Bigfoot Bay Witches, #2

By Cat Larson

Killer leprechaun or drunken ramblings of the tavern fool?

It's St. Patrick's Day and trouble's a-brewing in Bigfoot Bay.
When a body is found floating in a vat of green beer at the local Irish pub, Samm Hain (aka reluctant witch extraordinaire) can't help but get charmed into the case.

After all, she's stuck in a town named after a hairy beast with her fiancé-turned frog - what else has she got to do?

Besides, she might have been the last one to see Old Man Callahan alive...

** Bewitched Brew is the second book in the Bigfoot Bay Witches cozy mystery series. It's not necessary to read book one first as each book has its own mystery. But due to the overarching storyline, it'd be more fun to catch up afterward! **

The Bigfoot Bay Witches cozy mystery series:
Witch on Ice - Book 1

Bewitched Brew - Book 2

Witch Bane and The Croaking Game - Book 3

Witch Haunt - Book 4

The Witch is Back - Book 5

The Big Day Brew-HaHa - Book 6

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cat Larson
• Release date: Jun 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201804497

Book preview

Chapter One

Blueberries coated the inside of my purse. A wicked stained mess. I’d given up all hope of ever claiming it again for my own. It belonged to Fernando now.

I sighed then stated an apology to my fiancé-turned-frog. My sister had spelled him into another species, and here I was complaining about a bag? My priorities needed an adjustment.

Are you talking to your purse again?

I glanced up to my lifelong best friend, Sage, staring at me. No. I took a sip of coffee and brought my Fernando carrier closer to my body. Thanks for the blueberries, by the way. You have no idea how important they are to me.

Don’t you mean to your frog?

To us both.

Sage knew I was taking care of a frog, but she hadn’t a clue that frog was also the man I planned to marry. There was no good time to have that conversation. For whatever reason unbeknownst to me, my carnivorous husband-to-be would only eat blueberries. But not just any blueberries. Store-bought wouldn’t do for my berry snob. No, they had to be the organic ones Sage grew in her greenhouse. She fueled him with a steady supply, and we owed his life to her.

I’m beginning to think you don’t even have a pet.

I cringed at the word pet, and I imagined Fernando did as well. For a macho guy like him, that wouldn’t go over too well. I couldn’t risk leaving him behind when I went out, but until they made little earmuffs, I had to do my best to shield him from unpleasant conversation. I still didn’t have a handle on how much he could understand in that body.

Then what would I be doing with all these blueberries? I asked, and she shrugged. I’ll let you meet him soon, okay? I promise. It’s just a little hard to explain right now.

Hmph.

Can I get you another Irish cream latte?

I flinched at the voice. Geez, Clare. Way to sneak up on someone. No, I’m good. Thanks.

She thrust a plateful of shamrock cookies in my face. More cookies? On the house.

I gestured to the uneaten ones on the table. The pastry case was full again, unlike the beginning of the week, and I suspected Clare was the baker stocking it. I haven’t even finished these.

Okay, then. Give me a holler if you need anything.

I nodded, and she returned behind the counter. It was a gloomy Friday afternoon, and Sage and I were hanging out at Bigfoot Café during one of her study breaks. I didn’t know why she was even bothering to get an official plant science degree. She was already the Plant Whisperer.

Wow, she’s really laying it on thick, I said.

Sage waved her hand. Don’t be so cynical. She’s just trying to be nice.

She stole Violet’s coat, and she knows she’s guilty. That’s why she’s acting this way.

There’s no proof she stole anything. And you don’t know her like I do. She may like to collect unusual things, but that doesn’t make her a thief.

So I’m told. Officer Damon had basically said the same thing, but I didn’t buy it. It was too suspicious. Who collected red coats? She was up to something even if I didn’t know what that something was.

The more important issue here is Violet. She’s been gone a long time, Samm.

Yeah. I’d been back in Bigfoot Bay for a week and a day, and my reckless witch of a sister was still hiding from me. She also knows she’s guilty.

Aren’t you starting to get even the least bit worried? What if something bad happened?

Oh, something bad happened, all right, but it wasn’t to her. It was because of her. Despite that, I couldn’t prevent the fleeting thoughts from infiltrating my head several times a day, telling me something was off. My sister’s shop, Violet’s Soap & Tea Emporium, was her baby, and I never thought she’d abandon it for this long.

So yes, I was a teensy bit worried, but buckets more for Fernando. Without Violet, he didn’t stand a chance. She was the one who cast the spell, and she was the only one who could reverse it.

"It was a really horrible fight, Sage."

One that you won’t give me any details to. I couldn’t deny it because she was absolutely right. I was born into a family of witches, and that was not a fact you shared with others, not even your best friend. Not if you wanted to keep them as one. You have to realize Damon isn’t going to accept that answer for much longer. Pretty soon, he’s going to take matters into his own hands.

I’m not stopping him from doing that now.

Since Misty’s death had been solved, and I no longer suspected my sister as the one who’d turned her into a human popsicle, the desperate urge to find her before the police department did had disappeared. Officer Damon Kane, aka Violet’s lovestruck puppy, could use every ounce of his resources to search for her, but if she didn’t want to be found, it wouldn’t happen.

Sage leaned in and glared at me. You can’t fool me, Samm. Violet’s temporary leave of absence, or whatever you want to call it, is bothering you more than you’re letting on.

It’s Eve, remember? I said, changing the subject. Eve was my middle name and the one I’d adopted after moving to Chicago thirteen years earlier. Only people from my hometown of Bigfoot Bay still called me Samm, short for Sammara.

"Yes, I remember, Samm."

So much for the last-ditch effort. Even I had begun to resign myself to the old name, at least until I left town again. It was just easier this way.

All right, you win. But give me a little more time, okay? Since I’ve come back, my life’s been so discombobulated. I’m still adjusting.

The nice, happy, normal world I’d created for myself over the past decade had broken down in a matter of days.

As if to prove my point, the cell phone in my coat pocket rang. The one that couldn’t keep a charge and was perpetually dead. Unless it was some off-the-wall caller. Or my mother. Much like Fernando, I now kept it with me wherever I went.

I swore the phone was haunted, ever since it’d been zapped through the line during Violet’s spell. But even though I couldn’t dial out or use it in any way except for when it charged up enough to allow an oddball call to come through, I had a soft spot for it.

After all, it’d single-handedly helped to put a killer behind bars. How many other cell phones could list that on their resume?

Ooh! Can I answer it?

Let me check to see if it’s my mom first. It was a game to her. Sage knew my phone was wonky but didn’t know why, and whenever it rang, she begged to be the first to see who was on the other end.

I handed it over after checking the screen. She clapped then grabbed it.

Hello? she sang. Hold on a sec. Hey, Samm. Do you want to donate to the Gnome Coalition?

The what?

Can you give me more information, please? Sage said into the line. Uh-huh… Okay… All right, got it. She held the phone to her chest. The movement was started by a group of leprechauns with the goal of fostering deeper relations and creating unity within the elemental kingdom. If you give fifty or more, you’ll get a complimentary gold brooch. Hundred or more earns you a place of honor in their wee bulletin.

"What?"

We’re going to have to get back to you. Thanks. She set my cell down. It’s a worthy cause. You really should consider supporting them. Leprechauns are people too.

Uh, no they’re not. They’re… leprechauns. And since they didn’t even exist, the entire conversation was pointless anyway.

I meant they were people in the context of having the same rights. She shook her head. Wow, Chicago really did a number on you.

If you say so. Did I mention my life was bizarre? I pointed toward McGuinness Inn, the Irish pub directly across the street. I bet it was someone in there playing a joke. You know, in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.

That’s not till tomorrow.

Tell that to the crowds wearing top hats and drinking green beer. They seem to be celebrating early.

She glanced over her shoulder. That’s what happens when it falls on a weekend. She raised her cup. I’ll stick to my green tea.

I toasted her with my festive latte. I’m just glad they changed the café special early. I never want to see one of those smoky drinks again. I pushed the plate of cookies toward her. You should have one. I offered even though I’d never seen her eat a cookie in my life. It fascinated me.

No, thanks. You know that’s not my thing.

Sage had the most peculiar tastes. She adored sweets but only in liquid form. Otherwise, I only saw her drink tea and the occasional green coffee. The only foods she consumed were vegetables and low-sugar fruits. She was wispy as a reed and glowing with health, so I guess those ten sodas a day zoomed right through her with no ill effects.

Speaking of green things, I said. Do you know what kind of plant looks and feels like grass?

Um, could it be… grass?

You’re the plant expert here. I found it scattered all over the floor in Violet’s shop the first day I arrived and it resembled fresh grass, but I really don’t think it was.

I’m not sure. If it’s an exotic, that’d be Violet’s area of expertise, not mine.

Right. My best friend had a knack for communicating with plants, but only the local ones. I wanted to believe she was just really good at her studies, but there were too many things I’d witnessed that couldn’t be explained. I blamed the town. It had the ability to throw anyone off their rocker.

I took a sip of coffee, almost spitting it back out when I saw who’d walked through the door. She immediately zeroed in on me then stalked over. I dropped my head. Great.

What’s the matter? Sage asked.

Clarisse I mouthed.

Sage swung around. Clarisse! How humbled are we to be graced by your presence this fine afternoon. She bowed in her chair. To what do we owe the honor?

Clarisse ignored her. Eve, how lovely to see you again. I heard you stopped by and checked up on me while I was ill. How kind of you.

Sage raised an eyebrow. Yet another thing I hadn’t told her about.

Yes, well… I had no idea what to say. I… heard you were drinking a lot of those smoky lattes and they weren’t agreeing with you. What the heck? I couldn’t have come up with something better than that?

Clarisse waved her hand. Pish-posh. Don’t listen to my house manager. She worries way too much. House manager? How pish-posh. Sage had her hand over her mouth, giggling. But I am a little confused why you’d ask to see Violet.

I looked away from Sage as she shot me a laser glare. My mistake, I told Clarisse as casually as possible. I thought I heard something about her staying there.

Clarisse’s wide eyes did not appear faked, unlike many of her past expressions. Unfortunately. It would’ve made things much easier if I knew where my sister was hiding out.

The woman leaned over, resting a red dragon-nailed hand on the table. Any closer and she’d spear through my cup. Us kind need to stick together, she said quietly.

Us kind? What in Merlin’s beard did that mean?

She nodded. Especially in light of the current circumstances. Wasn’t the whole debacle surrounding Misty’s demise quite the shock?

I was still stuck on us kind. Sage must’ve read my mind. Pardon my ignorance, your royal highness, but how are you and Samm even remotely similar?

We live in the same town, do we not? That alone promotes a strong bond, a certain loyalty to each other. She spoke directly to me as if I were the one to ask the question.

You’re not part of this town. Sage snorted.

And I’m only visiting, I added.

Clarisse rubbed her temples. Oh dear, I do believe I’m coming down with another migraine. I really should run along. She inched closer and whispered in my ear. We can accomplish great things together, Eve.

She slunk off, and I briskly rubbed the heebie-jeebies off of me. Okay, that was just plain creepy. Don’t ever call me Eve again. After continually asking others to refer to me by my middle name, and repeatedly getting ignored, it disturbed me that Clarisse was the only one who’d paid attention.

Wouldn’t dream of it. She looked at me as if I had a lazy third eye.

What? I rubbed my forehead. Do I have something on my face?

You’re seriously asking me that? Why don’t you tell me what in the heliotrope just happened?

Heliotrope? Is that a plant term? Because if it is—

Sage threw up her hands. "What is freaking wrong with you? You went to her house?"

Long story.

Are you insane?

Depends on who you ask.

What were you even thinking? She’s a scheming shrew. You’re lucky you got out in one piece.

I had Griffin with me.

I see. Her lips took a sharp turn upward.

What? No, you don’t. Leave it to her to make something into this. He just… Oh, never mind.

Uh-huh. So, what’s the deal with asking about Violet staying there? She’d never associate with her socially.

I finished off the rest of my latte but tried to disguise my last swallow lest Clare run over with another. I didn’t want anything I hadn’t seen her make. How did I know her little nice routine wasn’t just an act? She was probably silently fuming about the coat and was waiting for an opportunity to get me back. I wasn’t claiming she’d poison my drink, but I wouldn’t put it past her to accidentally leave her mouth open while preparing it.

I didn’t know where my head was at, Sage. There’s been a lot going on.

Aww, you really do want to make amends with your sister. I knew it. She’s important enough for you to explore every possible avenue, no matter how crazy.

Yeah, something like that.

My phone rang again. Sage bounced in her seat, but I lifted a finger to tell her to hold on. I checked the screen.

Sorry. I braced myself then hit Accept. Hi, Mom.

Don’t you ‘Hi, Mom’ me.

Bye, Mom?

Sammara Eve Hain! Oh boy. It was going to be one of those conversations. I cannot believe I had to hear the news from Mary. My own daughter didn’t even have the decency to tell me.

You’re not exactly the easiest to reach. And besides, the last thing I wanted was to upset you even more, being so far away and all.

Mary reached me just fine.

You’re stuck in a rainforest. Why would I trouble you over something you can’t do anything about?

Your father’s working on getting us home, I told you that. I can’t help all the toucan issues on the runway, but I should be able to count on my firstborn to keep me apprised of the goings-on. Why didn’t you tell me about Misty Evans? I opened my mouth to repeat what I’d just said but didn’t get the chance. No, forget about that. Why in the blazes didn’t you tell me about your scuffle at the shop? It’s bad enough I worry about Violet, but now I have to worry about you too?

That’s exactly why I didn’t mention anything. I didn’t want you to worry.

That is not a good answer.

I sighed. I’m sorry.

How did she even get through the wards? If one enters with even a speck of malicious intent, the mugwort will stop them.

Shoot, the mugwort. My mom would crucify me if she knew I’d removed it. Violet had hung the bitter, leafy herb in the doorway of her shop, and I had gotten sick of tasting a mouthful whenever I walked in. I glanced at Sage sipping her tea. Her eyes were everywhere else, but I knew she was hanging on my every word. I’m not sure… maybe the stuff expires?

Samm! Do not even tell me you dismantled the wards.

Okay, I won’t.

I swear, your sister is three years younger but ages older in common sense.

Right. Ask any person not related to me if it was common sense to use herbs instead of a security system, and they’d look at you like you were one scale short of a mermaid tail. I’d roll my eyes if my mom wouldn’t sense it in a second.

Well, everything’s fine now so it all worked out.

The so-called scuffle only happened four days ago, but it’d probably already been printed up in the Bigfoot Bay historical records. I’d barely spoken to my mom’s best friend, Mary Fairchild, since the morning I’d literally run into her at the lakefront, but it would’ve been naïve to think she wasn’t privy to every detail as if she’d lived through the experience herself. I had to constantly remind myself this wasn’t Chicago.

Is your sister home safe and sound?

No.

Then everything is not fine.

While I had her on the line, I did have some questions that’d been bugging me. Sage was still pretending not to eavesdrop, so I couldn’t do it here.

It’s really noisy in here, I said to both of them. I’m gonna step outside.

Where are you? Mom asked.

I headed toward the door. Coffee shop.

Coffee? Samm, what is wrong with you?

They sell more than coffee at a coffee shop.

She didn’t buy it, and I hadn’t expected her to. That is the absolute last thing you should be drinking. You know how intoxicating the coffee bean is and how it affects our family. I opened the door to a blast of frigid air. If all she was going to do was lecture me, I could stay inside